Ongoing Dialogue with Kiev and Moscow Per Trump's Statement at 07:22
FacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailPrintCopy Link US President Donald Trump plans to keep working towards a resolution for the Ukraine crisis, involving both Ukraine and Russia. "I'll continue to work with both sides to make this happen," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Scuttlebutt Suggests:- Trump's aim is to preserve a diplomatic avenue for negotiations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
06:57 Trump's Negotiator Relying on Kremlin Translators? According to NBC News, US President Donald Trump's Mideast Special Envoy Steve Witkoff relied on Kremlin translators during his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sources indicate that Witkoff met with Putin several times in recent months, and his last visit was on April 26 in Moscow—the day following a devastating rocket attack in Kyiv that left 12 dead. Witkoff, who doesn't speak Russian, chose to use translators provided by the Kremlin instead of his own. This move is said to be a departure from usual protocols, according to NBC News.
The Lowdown:- Witkoff's choice to rely on Kremlin translators could raise security concerns and questions about potential information leaks.
05:46 Reported Russian Drone Attack on Kyiv Foiled by Defense Measures Kyiv's air defense systems are reportedly fending off a Russian drone attack per Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a May 15 meeting for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul.
The Skinny:- This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the two nations and the potential for further escalation.
04:45 Three Civilians Injured in Air Strikes in Kupjansk In another wave of air strikes on the Kupjansk district in the Kharkiv region, three civilians have been injured, as reported by Ukrinform, citing the Kharkiv region's prosecutor's office. The past 24 hours have seen 6 more civilian injuries in Kharkiv region, including an 11-year-old boy.
In the Know:- Ongoing airstrikes indicate a disregard for civilian safety and continue the suffering of Ukrainian citizens.
03:38 Sanctions for Targeting Russia's Energy and Banking Sector Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv, the five leaders issued a joint statement outlining the sanctions Russia would face if it refuses a full, unconditional ceasefire: "If Russia disregards our call for a ceasefire, we will impose stricter sanctions on the banking and energy sectors, focusing on fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet." Such a ceasefire, they emphasize, cannot be contingent on preconditions.
The Goods:- Additional sanctions aim to cripple Russia's economic power and further limit its ability to fund military activities.
02:15 Rumors of US Approval for Germany's Delivery of Weapons to Ukraine Sources report that the US has granted approval for Germany to send 125 long-range artillery rockets and 100 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine.
The Word on the Street:- Increased military support to Ukraine may help strengthen its defense against continued Russian attacks.
01:19 Putin Proposes Direct Talks with Ukraine in Istanbul Russian President Vladimir Putin has put forth a proposal for talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15. He expressed the hope that the discussions could result in a new ceasefire. Putin's proposal does not directly address the demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire by Ukraine and its supporters.
Insiders' Take:- Putin's offer advances the possibility of diplomatic dialogue, but raises questions about his genuine intentions.
00:38 Three-Day Russia-Declared Ceasefire Ends After a three-day halt, violent conflict resumed in Ukraine when Russia's unilaterally-declared ceasefire concluded at midnight on May 8. Ukraine continues to demand a full 30-day ceasefire.
The Lowdown:- The end of the ceasefire signals an increased threat to Ukrainian citizens and international stability.
23:18 Macron Expresses Support for Soldiers in Ukraine French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring options for contributing soldiers to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He believes the presence of troops in Ukraine is crucial.
What's Hot:- Macron's position underscores international solidarity with Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.
22:11 Zelensky Rejects US Proposal for Demilitarized Zone Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out the possibility of establishing a demilitarized zone in the ongoing war with Russia. This move contradicts the stance of US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, who had floated the idea as a potential solution to the crisis.
On the Horizon:- Ukraine remains committed to finding peaceful solutions while safeguarding its territorial integrity.
21:43 Zelensky, Macron, and Starmer Honor Fallen Ukrainian Soldiers During their visit to Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, laid flowers at the War Memorial Wall in honor of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
The Scoop:- The united presence of European leaders sends a powerful message of solidarity with Ukraine as it faces increased aggression from Russia.
Catch up on previous developments here
Topics:
- Ukraine
- Military
- wars and conflicts
- Russia
- NATO
- Military Operations
- Cyberwar
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
Additional Information:
- Additional sanctions targeting Russia's energy and banking sectors are proposed if Moscow refuses a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. The plan includes limiting fossil fuel, oil, and the "shadow fleet" exports, as well as stronger measures for the banking sector.
- The proposed sanctions will align with the 17th EU sanctions package and sanctions from the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States.
- The US has not recently mentioned lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, contrary to earlier reports.
- Coordinated efforts are essential in limiting Russia's ability to fund military activities by restricting access to international financial systems and reducing revenue from energy exports.
- The US President Donald Trump aims to continue negotiating a resolution for the Ukraine crisis, involving both Ukraine and Russia, as stated in his post on Truth Social.
- US President Donald Trump's Mideast Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly relied on Kremlin translators during meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about potential information leaks and security issues.
- If Russia disregards the call for a ceasefire, additional sanctions targeting their banking and energy sectors, including fossil fuels, oil, and the "shadow fleet," will be imposed, according to a joint statement from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Following the end of a three-day Russia-declared ceasefire, increased violence has been reported in Ukraine, indicating a continued threat to Ukrainian citizens and international stability.
